I am expecting a child. What are my employment rights as an employee?

a risk assessment of any risks to you or your unborn baby associated with pregnancy, maternity or childbirth;

a health and safety maternity suspension if your employer identifies an unavoidable risk to you or to your unborn baby that cannot reasonably be removed. The suspension must be paid unless you turn down an offer of suitable alternative work;

52 weeks' maternity leave, regardless of how long you have been with your employer;

up to ten Keeping in Touch (KIT) days during your maternity leave;

the right to choose to cut short your maternity leave (after taking the first two weeks of leave, or four if you are a factory worker) and to share the remaining leave with your partner, as long as you both qualify under the Shared Parental Leave regime;

the right to Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) for 39 weeks, provided you have worked for your employer for 26 weeks by the 15th week before the baby is due, and as long as you meet the earnings threshold. You may qualify for Maternity Allowance if you do not qualify for SMP;

You may also qualify for working tax credits, including child tax credits. For more information, see workSMART's Tax Credits section.

Note: This content is provided as general background information and should not be taken as legal advice or financial advice for your particular situation. Make sure to get individual advice on your case from your union, a source on our free help page or an independent financial advisor before taking any action.